Financial Literacy Program for Kids

Hi Hello Yamisweeters!

Vacation for students is near! Yehey!  As parents, we plan for our kid's school break.  Something that will make them busy and enjoyable.  This summer, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program has a good offer this summer.

As a parent, it's too important that an early age we should teach good money management skills.  I think,  it's one way to solve poverty in the Philippines.  We should all know what is Money and how it affects our life. According sa nabasa ko, if you can't control your income, you must control your expenses.  And that is the easiest way. Cashflow Management is the secret.  That's why learning the laws of money is a vital learning for our kids.  Para din yan sa atin pagdating ng panahon. They will be financially independent and we can enjoy more of our retirement. (haha!)  So, this is the opportunity to introduce money management to our kids as early as first grader.  The Program consist of the following modules:

Financial Literacy Program( Grade1 to 3)

Module 1: Money Cycle

The Importance of Money Cycle

Module 2: The Need to Earn

The Need to Earn and Methods to Earn Money

Module 3: The Entrepreneur Challenge

The Pros and Cons of being an Entrepreneur

Module 4: Saving Money

The Importance of Saving

Module 5: Save the Change

The Benefits of Knowing the Price and Quality of Goods

Module 6: "Just in Case"

The Value of emergency Funds

Module 7: Spending Money Wisely

"Money Wise vs. Poor Purchase" choice

Module 8: Saving at the the Grocery Store

The Importance of Self-Control when Shopping

Financial Literacy Program(Grade 4-6)

Module 1: Earning

The children will learn about the importance of earning an income

Module 2: Budgeting

The children will know the basic concepts of budgeting

Module 3: Saving

The children will know the importance of savings

Module 4: Emergency Fund

 The children will name different types of personal and family emergencies

Module 5: Spending Money Wisely

The children will compare and contrast the price and quality of goods

Module 6: Invisible Money

The children will know different forms of credit and tell the consequences of not being able to pay debts

Module 7: Making Money

The Children will know the basic principles and purposes of investments.

Seeing the need to inculcate good money management skills early in Filipino kids, Galileo

Enrichment Learning Program, Inc. in collaboration with our partner Pru Life UK - pioneer and current market leader of unit-linked or investment-linked life insurance products, adopts their Cha-Ching* Financial Literacy Program as one of the 2015 Galileo's Summer Program Offering.

This program will be given for FREE (every Saturday of April and May) as an add-value program for Galileo students ages 7 to 12, who will enroll either in Math, English or Singapore Math this summer, come April and May 2015 . 

The program instills good money habits through the concepts of Earn, Save, Spend, Donate & Invest. At the end of the program, the teachers, together with their students, are expected to master the fundamentals of money management and the need to be financially literate as young as they are now to help them plan their own financially-sound future.

Call (02) 845-1234 or (02) 553-6193 for more details. 

Source: GELP

 

Reading the above modules excite me. At libre pa.  Haaayyy! Nakakatuwa! Parang kahit ako ay may matutunan dito.  It will not be boring for kids because they will learn it while playing.  Knowing Galileo way of learning, it will surely be fun and enthusiastic. 

Visit the nearest Galileo Center and learn more about the program.

Enjoy!!!!

Galileo Little Explorers

I am proud Galileo Mom!

What is Galileo Mom?  A Galileo Mom is an awesome mother who is passionate in ensuring excellence among kids through fun learning experience.  For more than five years,  my partner in empowering my kids learning potential is Galileo -Pasong Tamo.  I found the comfort of methods and strategies in nurturing my kid's abilities and development. 

At present, my kids are on Grade 3 and Grade 4 level in English Program. The program aims to equip my kids with the fundamental skills needed to understand English in a long run.  It also prepares my kids in exercising their creativity and analytical skills as well as encourages them to see the fun in reading.

Galileo is also offering Math Program and Singapore Math.  And their newest program called Galileo Little Explorers.  So if you have little kids and you want to be a Galileo Mom like me, check this out!

The Galileo Little Explorers is an introductory program to the Galileo Math and English Programs.

Young learners ages 1.5 to 3 are taught early numeracy and literacy skills, practical life-skills such as manners, socialization, responsibility towards others, awareness of his environment, and appreciation of nature.

Program Benefits:
* Develop character
* Develop social skills
* Enhances physical development
* Promotes Self Discovery
* Increases Self awareness
* Encourages Self mastery

Remember: "The first year lasts forever."

Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30-10:30AM
 List of Centers that are offering Galileo Little Explorers Program:
Galileo Balanga (047)-300-0815
Galileo Baliuag 0925-540-5060
Galileo Batangas (043)-425-4253
Galileo Caloocan (02)-442-0783
Galileo Davao (082)-221-0268
Galileo Lipa 0917-5088042
Galileo Mabalacat 0932-886-1754
Galileo Madrigal (02)-707-0358
Galileo Malolos (044)-760-0426
Galileo Pasong Tamo (02)-403-0947
Galileo Project 8 (02)-453-3781
Galileo West Fairview (02)-781-8050

Source: GELP

Visit the nearest Center near you and become a Galileo Mom! Enroll now!

50 Ways for Kids to Stay Creative

Good Morning Yamisweeters! 

 I had this dilemma last night when my eldest son is worrying for his Art subject. He excels in his academic subjects but so disappointed with the Art and Work Education. Like his Dad, he's not gifted with art talents. For them, art is a horror. Huh! I pity them. As a mom, I know it's my responsibility to instill creativity, enthusiasm and motivation to question and explore as well as how we teach them good values, responsibilities and etiquette. Enrolling in an arts and crafts activity session is one of my consideration. But I realized that there are lots of ways to deal in cultivating creativity of a child. The post of hello, Wonderful shows me ways to do it. And not just the art-sy and craft-sy talent of children will enhance but also their attitude and other skills.

I am happy to share to you the 50 Ways for Kids to Stay Creative.  

This is just a perfect guide for my son's dilemma. Have a great day! 

Be Positive! Think Positive!

Money Principles

Check out this awesome info graphic about Money Principles Kids should Learn.  It is applicable not only to children but also to us adult.  It's true that one of the best thing that we can teach to our child is financial literacy.  And here are 10 principles about money.

Effort Sarap

Whew!  I love morning rush!  An eight-to-fiver working mom without a helper, how's that???? Quite challenging, isn't?  Well, this is really the dare for a homemaker.  Buti na lang malapit lang ang office ko, I can manage.  I have no travel time so I can do more household chores without being so late in the office.

But....where is she, my helper?  Mmmmm..... after the holiday she advised me that she will come back on Sunday.  Fine!!!! Oh my goodness ,anong petsa na???? Wala pa rin sya today.  She's not feeling well daw.  Sick leave lang ang peg.  I am a considerate employer and I value the health of my employee so I allow her to have a good rest.  And these are the consequences.  Always in a hurry! I have to do every single detail in the house.  In all the chores, managing kitchen is my priority.

Preparing breakfast and baon for my grade-schoolers should be enjoyable and easy messy.  I dropped by to the nearest wet market and shop for my cooking needs. Here are my picks!

Calamansi

Garlic and Onion

Tamarind

Green Gulay

Gulay pa din

Fresh Maya-maya

Fresh Shrimp

Fresh Squid

 I love fresh foods.  Most of my buy this week are sea foods.  Shall I say, "Meatless Week" for my kiddos.  As much as possible I avoid using umami when cooking.  We can cook delicious servings without using MSG.  An effort can replace the pleasant savory taste of mono sodium glutamate can add to our food.  And the following are my efforts as replacement for umami.

1.  I used clay pot when boiling the tamarind fruit to extract the sour taste for perfect sinigang.  I added a pinch of salt while boiling to mix the salty and soury taste.  It's better to cook sinigang at clay pot to avoid the chemical reaction.  Clay pot is so cheap.
2. Onion and garlic are must-have in my kitchen.  The more onion and garlic in the recipe the more it became tasty.
3.  When marinating, I used calamansi.  It's cheaper than lemon.  But it brings different taste enhancer to cooking.  That's why it is also a must-have.
4. Veggies are the best!  When I'm cooking sinigang, the more the veggies the more savory taste.
5.  Chili, ginger, tomato and pepper can be added too for other menu.  Spice up your life!

My Family's Favorite: sinigang na Maya-maya

My boys joined me in my cooking at our little kitchen.  While preparing the ingredient, M and R are throwing jokes and knock knocks.  It became our another bonding moment.  The big boy also assisted me in cooking.  He did the paghahalo-halo and tikim tikim portion.  Haha!  While the little boys are preparing the tables for a perfect dine-in at home.

I have to cook a recipe for a day because I have limited time.  Init-init na lang.  My son M keep asking me if I added "magic sarap" to my sinigang.  I said "No son, I added "effort sarap".  He enjoyed the vegetables.  He ate everything, even the onions.  And telling me, "Mom, masarap pala talaga ang "effort sarap".  Woooowww! a heart-melting comment.  M is my number two fan.  He never fail to appreciate all my endeavors.  I am exerting my best for R to be influenced in eating veggies.  He's a typical boy who likes fried :-( .  But I taught them to eat what is on the table.  Kids are really different!

I also prepared pang-baon for school, for frying.  It's one of my kid's favorite.

Marinated Boneless Bangus, ready for frying!

Adobo sa Gata-Pusit

Pancit Canton

Fried Small Lapu-lapu

 
On the other hand,  I enjoyed doing all the household chores however it lessen my "me-time".  I can't do my exercise.  Waaahhh! This is bad, I'm missing my "tight abs goal".  My abs are getting fluffy again.  I can't focus on my diet scheme because of foods in front of me all the time.  Napapakain ako ng mga luto ko. Hihi!  I hope my helper is feeling better now.  A pile of laundry is waiting for her.

Oh, I love this career!  I thank God for the strength.I'm looking forward and excited for my next cooking.

It's my pleasure to be domesticated!

Look! It's All About Me Personalized Book

I really admire kids who love reading.  I wish I had a childhood like that.  he!he! Ya....because I was not raised as a book lover.  I don't know.  Maybe because my mom was trained also that way.  She did not insist us to read comics, magazine, newspaper or books.  Besides she had no budget for that.  For her,  we must first do our task before doing such kind of thing.  We have to pick up firewood, fetch water, sweep the ground and a lot of household chores.  Her dialogue.... "Wala kang magawa?? Magkayas ka ng walis para may baon ka."  (You have nothing else to do?? make a broom sticks so you have allowance!).  We only read at school. Then at school,  I can't remember any library.  The books we were using then was slightly torn and to be shared by two students during class.  Oh, sad!  But that's true.  Maybe DepEd during that time don't know that there's a school in our place. Ha!ha! That's a history.  Today is another story.   The reason why I'm not so engrossed in reading until college.  Reading was my sleeping gadget. hahaha!  And everything changed and it's not too late.  I want to read and read and read.  And I do it everyday already even just an hour.

So I realized that parents have big influence to kid's love for reading.  We must not underestimate the value of reading.  We all know the gains of it. I love to buy books and e-books for them.  My eldest win it already.  He likes reading.  In fact, our "dream house" has small library. Like this one.

Photo from Home Designing

 Or his room will look like this one.

Photo from Stylish Eve

For now, we're collecting books to read anytime they want.  One of my pick is this personalized book.  I found it so cute and will catch my kid's attention.  I chose to pick one of the story as part of my youngest's birthday surprise last October 6.

Mic-mic is the lead character of the story  He's so excited to finish reading it.  Names of his friends are also included as part of the party.  The print is very nice and colors are so vibrant.  So inviting to kid's playful minds. It's also a hardbound that will last for a lifetime.  A good memory for his 8th birthday.

Placing an order is an easy step.  Just visit their site and find out.

The order will take approximately 7-10 business days to arrive at your door for deliveries in the Philippines, and 10-15 for Worldwide Deliveries. You also have the option to pick up your order at their office address. In this case your order will be ready for pick up in 6 working days.

The courier has nice packaging.

I also included a personalized gift wrapper.

  There are other four designs to choose from.

One good thing,  it's a Filipino product.  A very nice gift idea for kids who loves reading.  A way also to encourage kids to love reading.

They offer other products like Personalized Coloring books, wrapping paper, wall art and place mats.

No doubt, Mic-mic likes it.

Website: www.lookitsaboutme.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookItsAboutMe
Twitter: @LookItsAboutMe
Instagram: @LookItsAboutMe
Pinterest: LookItsAboutMe

Read, explore, learn and enjoy!

Happy Reading!

TALKING to CHILDREN about MONEY

Yesterday was another learning day for me.  My kid's school hosted several parenting talk in lieu with their advocacy of "partnering in the journey of kid's life".  The school aims to instill strong character formation and salesianity among our boys.  So they need to collaborate with the parents in achieving such goal.  Teachers and school administration can not do the formation by themseleves alone, parents have huge part in doing so.  We parents.........need to enrich also.  We have schedules for Marriage and Parenting Formation. and yseterday's sched is about MONEY.  It is also related to the upcoming school's e-cash system.  Soon, students will no longer use money to pay for food and supplies instead they will swipe their IDs for payment.  As prevention to overspending tendencies,  we held this talk about money.  Aiza Caparas Tabayoyong who is a relationship/parenting consultant was our speaker.  She is connected to Love Institute.

My Ipad Photos of Ms. Aiza, Fr. Degs and the sponsor-Philam Life

 She talked about how we parent introduce money to our children.                    

The first things she pointed was about being a model to our kids.  It is as simple as how can you teach your child to eat vegetable if you alone don't eat veggies?  How can teach your child to love reading if they don't see you reading?  So, our kids are our replica because we are their first source of habit.  So we must show to them the proper spending habit to achieve the appropriate discipline.  Preparing a budget and save first before spending is the ideal way for proper financial approach.  We should identify our "wants and needs" to classify what is the priority.  I am proud to say that we are practicing such thing.  We don't go to the mall because it is MALL-WIDE SALE but instead we just drop by at the mall when we have needs to buy.  And my kids adopted that, they are not the kind of child who tantrums when they did not get what they want.  My eldest habitually ask me "Mom, mura ba ito o mahal?" when in the toy shop.  He is conscious to our budget.  They are not a fan of signature items maybe because me too is not also well aware of such expensive but reliable thingy.  Until now, my boys are 8 and 9 years old they don't ask for money baon at school. But I think it's time for me to give them allowance and teach them how to manage finances for them also to be responsible and independent.

This will be their jars. They should be trained to divide their allowance for specific purpose. Spend for their needs (e.g. snacks, lunch, supplies), Give for their tithe, Save for anything they needs and wants in the future(e.g. Cellphone, musical instrument, books, watch or vacation or even gift to their love ones) and last is GROW, this is for investment.
At present time, I don't practice it yet.  We provide everything to them.  Hindi pa sila humahawak ng pera. But their Christmas and birthday money are invested in AFPSLAI .  I deposited it on their intrust for account for me to have record of their individual money then invest it to AFPSLAI.  To know about this investment, just click the link.   This coming 2014, I will encourage my kids to create a GOAL BOOK that will include this GROW JAR and invest it to stock market as inspired by Bo Sanchez.  Thank you Ms. Aiza for this idea.

Next thing that is as important as the first is OPENNESS.  We should encourage two-way communication to our kids about money.  It's important to listen to our kids' notion about money, where money comes from,  what it is for and where it goes.  Informing the family's sources of fund and how we spend it are also considered vital action in money awareness.

When we have built a good communication we can set house rules but make sure to NEGOTIATE with them.  It is not healthy if we will impose rules.  Ask their opinion how much allowance they need and then meet on the acceptable amount.  And make an agreement so that they are aware of all the consequences if they did not manage well their allowance.  It will also encourage responsibility.

EMPOWER our child.  Recognize the intrinsic goodness of each child and their capacity to make choices and take responsibility for those choices. Affirm our kids positive qualities and what we like about them, especially with regard to money.   Like, "Mukhang pinaghirapan mo yan......"

YEARLY check up on goals and arrangements are required to fully achieved our intention.  It will also helpful in assessing if our strategies are sound and effective.  We have to check the feelings of our child about money rules.  Review their spending habit.  See the growth of investment.  And revise the rules if necessary.

I admit! The TALK enriched my mind.  Thank you for this kind of experience.  I know it will help me and my family to create healthy money relationship.  I hope you do too!

Thanks for reading.



 





         

Weekend Rush and a lot of points to ponder

Lately, I've been so busy with my Mid-Year Resolution # 2: To be Truly Rich. (ha!ha!)  Yeah, you read it right....I want to be rich and enjoy life with financial freedom.  I read several books about financial stewardship strategies.


I have Pisobilities and Easy Money para sa mga Kababaihan by Francisco Colayco








 
8 Habits of Happy Millionare and My maid invest in Stock Market by Bo Sanchez



 
                                                                 Ang Pera na Di Bitin by Ardy Roberto, Jr.


and a lot of related blogs.

One common factor they are teaching is being a "SMART MONEY PERSON".  Little by little I adopted their tips on managing hard earned money.  I listed my priorities,  follow budgeting tips, bring to life the equation "INCOME-SAVINGS=EXPENSES and avoid being an impulsive buyer.  In short, I need to simplify my life more.

But when I opened my facebook, instagram and blog accounts waaahhhhhhhh other people are happy spending their money on foods, travel, fashion and leisure.  Nakaka-inggit!!!!! How come they can afford all that.

And so I realized that I should reward myself for trying my best to be a smart money woman.  Time to relax this weekend. Besides my meaning for "TRULY RICH" is a wealthy relationship.  Relationship with God, with family and friends. And I need money to gain that. Money really matters,  let's all admit it.


So, let's start the weekend rush.

I need to reward my kids for being so diligent and responsible students.  It's Friday night and I gave them a good laugh at minion's adventure with Gru and kids. 

Instagram Photo

M is rolling to laugh with the cute actions of the minions and secret agents Gru and Lucy.

Instagram photo

After the movie, they were excited to have some sweets from Krispy Kreme.  All time favorite of R.  It was a nice feeling when I see my boys really enjoying each others company.  Movies are the thing the we always want to do.  Parang nakalakihan na nila ang manood ng movies.  When they were toddlers pa, R sleeps in the movie house but now he's so excited with the popcorn, hotdogs and fries he could munch while watching. haha! Time flies so fast.  I'm quite sad because they are not babies anymore.  Sometimes, they argue with me na. Huhu! Mas marami na silang alam.

Their dad did not make it to the movie kasi Friday, a lot to attend but he picked up us at the mall and we went home together.

When we're on the bed na, M ask me, Mom when are we going to watch White House Down? Huh! I laughed and said, Anak, ang budget natin ay pang Despicable Me lang.

On Saturday,  I have office work in the morning and in the afternoon, kids' Galileo session.

At the Galileo Pasong Tamo

My kids do their session every Saturday for two hours.  They suppose to go to the center twice a week but because of hectic schedules in school they need to compress it in one day.

M did the level up test for Math. He finished the activity for Grade 4 level and he needed to pass the qualifying exam to jump up to the next level-Grade 5.  M is currently Grade 3 in regular school but in this enrichment program M is almost two level advanced.

Super Nova level up test result

 Great!!!! he passed the level up test. The result is not bad.  He is in Grade 5 level now. Yahoooo!  Let's celebrate.








                                         Avail their 2-week free learning lesson.  Visit any branch near you.





While waiting, I didn't waste my time.  It's grocery time at the nearest supermarket.

Shopwise Makati

I am currently collecting stamps for their on going promotion PREMIUM GERMAN BRANDED ARZBERG COOKWARE.  The promo runs until August 4.  I want to avail this high-quality German Brand cookwares for free just by shopping at Shopwise.

I do the grocery weekly to preserve freshness of wet goods.  And here are some smart tips when doing the marketing to save time and money.

1.  Schedule your grocery time.

         Our mindset makes everything smooth.  Plan everything. Bring anything you need in doing shopping like bags and loyalty card.

          Shopwise is doing a small part in preserving the environment that's why they encourage their customers to cut down the use plastic. It's a bring your own reusable bags policy. 

          They also have "WISE CARD" that earn points and accumulate every shopping.

          Planning is one cost-saving scheme.   

2. List down all the things that you need to buy. 

           This will save you cost of telephone calls.  When you don't have the list and you arrived in the laundry supplies.  At the back of your mind, meron pa bang sabon?  If you're not sure, you will call the house and ask somebody to check the supplies cabinet.  Sayang.....kung nag-lista lang sana.

3.  Do not do the shopping when you're hungry.  

           When you're hungry, you might add to cart things that you don't need.  Maybe you just want it.  "Sira na ang budget mo sira pa ang diet mo."

Those are the three basic things I recall before I do my grocery time.  I know you all know that,  Just a reminder.  Minsan din nakakalimutan ko eh especially if shopping is not planned.

Our next stop: Keil's 7th Birthday

 We are doing socialization naman.  Kids had fun with the games and magic show.  M & R are into parties.  Parties have big factor in their social skills. 

Our boss and some friends in the party

R wore his 7th Birthday Party costume.  Last year, he celebrated it at the same venue and theme.  It's tight fit and short na. haha!

The day is not over yet.  I still have other STOP.  I'm done with my little boys.....it's time for my BIG boy naman.

Another stop......Movie with my man.

Channing Tatum's White House Down

The movie is nice.  I was so thrilled with how Channing saved the president and her daughter.  She has a very smart daughter who played a great role in saving the White House.

Movie date with me only is HIS simple pleasure.  We do it every Saturdays when the schedule permits.  It's one of my submissive way to HIM.  Kahit I don't like the movie I have to go. hehe! But mostly, we have good movies naman. What really matter is the time together.  We have a stressful week days so we need a deserving weekend.

We had our snack at Mexicali after movie

After every movie, either snack or coffee will do for some usap usap.

Guess what???? We talked about STOCKS.  Huh! Usap ng matatalino at mayayaman. hahaha!  He shared to me his experience and learning on the seminar he attended that morning.  He attended STOCK TRADING AWARENESS. 

That night we both do snack and coffee. Mahaba-habang usapan because excited for the Money Machine (Money that works for you) we need to find. 

For curiosity, I tried Starbuck's daily offerings Red Bean Green Tea Frappucino Blended Beverage.  It's worth a try, for a change. A strange taste of green tea in frap but I enjoyed the red beans. haha!

Part of my "To be Truly Rich" resolution is to learn about STOCKS.  I really don't have idea how it is played.  So....my goal is to explore and invest.  The very first step I did was to be a member of Truly Rich Club.  I am so inspired with Bo Sanchez's My Maid Invest in Stock Market.  He will teach you step by step to start investing in stock.  For as low as P 5,000.00 you can start buying.  Come.... join me to explore STOCK MARKET.  Read, explore and try.  Don't be afraid to start a thing that will give you financial freedom with happy life.

It was a very good Saturday.... as always.

As a routine, we started the week with a HOLY MASS at National Shrine of Sacred Heart in San Antonio Village Makati City.   The church is well decorated because of a wedding.

A glimpse of church in garden theme

And a snapshot of proper church attire

  Welcome another week! A week with a lot to learn. 

I am just sharing whatever is in my thoughts.  I don't mind if it's huge or meaningless.  For me everything about my life is a gift from God that deserves an importance.